Dear 2011

Dear 2011,

It is always a surreal moment for me when I take a moment to look back on the entire year. There are fun moments that stick out for me such as; my son's baptism, our first family photo shoot, my grandparents visiting from Costa Rica, starting our blog and business and endless summer nights on the beach. There are also scary moments that run through my mind like; overcoming our son's surgery, family fights, my mega momma breakdowns and financial issues.Through it all we have lived life and loved and cherished every second. We took the good with the bad.
I look at us at this very moment....as I write this post, Dan is working out and Ryan is sleeping. I look around out apartment and my heart swells with pride. We have come so far and I am so proud of all the ground we have broken this year.
I am looking forward to our continuous growth in the upcoming year. I am excited for our adventures to take place to the upcoming seasons. I ready to start working hard on some new goals for our bakery and blog! I can't wait to share everything with you all!

Enjoy celebrating the New Year!

Roasted Banana-Brown Sugar Bread

Holy cow! We are just back from a super long, relaxing and beyond fun vacation. Still in a daze, all 3 of us are sort of taking this whole 'getting back into the groove' thing slowly. Dan worked from home today, which allowed him to converse with his colleagues while wearing his PJ's. Ryan and I woke up around our usual 9:30am call time, watched two Sesame Streets and ate vanilla scones for breakfast....and lunch. My favorite is when he looks up at me and smiles. As if to say "I love when we break all our rules momma....That Elmo sure is funny....pass another scone would ya!?"

Welcome back to reality...sort of.

In keeping with our slow pace theme I figured I would bring you the most amazing banana bread recipe. I just need to tell you a few things before hand;

`This banana bread will rock your world...guaranteed.
`There are few ingredients and will take you seconds to make
`The banana bread is best hot with butter or honey...or both.
`Also this bread taste the best when procrastinating and/or lounging around with a cup or coffee or tea.

Sold yet?

Roasted Banana-Brown Sugar Bread

What you need
`3-4 roasted bananas
`1/3 cup melted sweet cream butter
`1 1/2 cup flour
`1 cup of raw sugar
`1 large egg
`1 tsp vanilla
`2 tsp baking soda
`1/2 cup of brown sugar



Directions
`Pre-heat oven at 350'
`Line a baking sheet with foil and place bananas on it. Once oven is heated, roast bananas till they are black. Once their juices come out the ends you know it is time to take them out.

Why roast the bananas?
-Most fruits and veggies taste better once roasted or grilled. Something about the heat caramalizes the sugars and brings out the sweet flavors. I'm no scientist....but trust me it tastes great.

`While the bananas cool, mix all the other ingredients together. You can make this bread with normal sugar, though I love the taste and texture it gives in this recipe.

`Peel and mash the roasted bananas. Add them to the other ingredeiants.

Careful not to over mix the batter, otherwise the bread will turn out chewy.

`To ensure that the bread doesn't stick I oil the pan, then line it with parchment paper.

`Once the batter is in the pan, sprinkle the brown sugar on top. Once this puppy bakes, the brown sugar carmalizes and adds a sweet crunch to the bread.

`Bake for one hour, then enjoy warm from the oven.

Sadly, I have no pictures of the bread once out of the oven. I forgot to take pictures and we ate it.
I hope you guys make this bread! You'll love me for it, promise.

Little Sister

Even though our holiday was ambushed. We were lucky enough to have a tiny visitor who came bearing gifts and endless smiles. My little sister Rhiannon came to stay with us while Santa re-modeled her bedroom for Christmas. It was truly a special visit. She mentioned she had been saving up her pennies to buy us Christmas gifts at her school book fair and she even wrapped them herself. It warmed my heart unwrapping these gifts that came straight from the heart. Her gifts were thought out, saved for and purchased out of sheer generosity and love.
After the boys went to bed, the two of us stayed up and watched Twilight, painted our nails and ate Oreos. A total girls night if you will....

----------------------------------------------------------

Dear Little Sister,
      When I was sixteen you came into my life and I couldn't have been more excited. When I used to babysit you, people though you were my daughter. Some people say we look alike. I used to babysit you a lot when you were very little. I took you the beach, out for frozen yogurt and shopping. We watched tons of Disney movies...and still do. I can count on you for a good laugh and for a breath of fresh innocence.
      Even though I have a little one of my own, I will always be here for you. My son is so lucky to have such a passionate aunt. He loves you. I love you.

Sickmas

Around here we are finally starting to feel normal again. Unfortunately, all the Christmas excitement and preparation lead to a vicious stomach flu bug that ran through our house hitting us one by one. We were unable to do much but lay around. This was our second Christmas as a family and we had high hopes of visiting everyone and exchanging gifts...only to be blindsided by this nasty sickness.
I can tell you one thing...having the stomach flu with one bathroom equals true love. Dan and I can brave anything together at this point, because after this we have seen each other at our worst. YUCK!

We did try to make the most out of our pathetic holiday by opening gifts we got each other and watched ELF. However, I think it is safe to say we want to forget Christmas 2011 and move on.

I am now tackling the Mount Everest of laundry we have and using Clorox to disinfect our entire house. Other than Ryan's new toys there is no sign of Christmas here anymore.....see ya next year buddy! Hopefully on healthier terms.

I will spare you pictures of Dan and I. We both look like train wrecks.

{Christmas Eve...Ry slept on his little couch because his crib was a disaster}

 

{Christmas day asleep while we open gifts}

Our Christmas Card

Christmas Card Design c/o My Little Buffalo

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours...

Have a beautiful weekend!

Who the *@%# is this?!

I think it is safe to say Ryan did not approve of sitting on Santa's lap this year. I can't blame him, as he has never seen this Santa dude before and  now is all of sudden supposed to sit there and above all smile.
I really didn't expect him to have a holiday melt down as loud and dramatic as it was though....so awkward. Santa was clearly annoyed which resulted in me giving him a dirty look as if to say "Look buddy, so what if my kid doesn't like you!...You ain't real anyways!" {oops!}
Ryan is still traumatized. We know because even when he sees a picture of Santa he starts to whimper like a hurt puppy. "oooo no! Not this guy again!!! RUN!"

Oh well! We bought the picture of our screaming child and went to eat dinner. All is still 'merry and bright'. We haven't decided if we will visit Santa again next year......Maybe.

Paper Pinwheels {How To}

I love getting creative with holiday gift wrapping! I found these super pretty paper pinwheels over on one of my favorite blogs and had to re-create them. Only problem was the paper they used didn't work for me...I tweaked this how-to a bit and came up with a few helpful hints.

What you need

`Scissors
`Double sided tape
`Thin decorative paper
`Buttons

Directions

`I found using 3 strips of paper work best and keep the pinwheel from bouncing out of shape. Use 3 strips that are about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. Also, don't use card stock. I actually used wrapping paper. The thin paper allows for paper pinwheels to keep in place.

`Fold each strip accordion style.

`Tape the strips together, to make one long strip.

`Tape the two ends together. At this point you'll have an awkward shape....pop the inside together till you have what looks like a paper pinwheel. I found that taping the back helps keep the pinwheel in place.

`Lastly, decorate the center with buttons etc. I like taping a smaller pinwheel in the center.

Have fun wrapping gifts!
How do you jazz up your gift wrapping?

Peek A Boo

Headband c/o: Rough and Whimsy

Peek A Boo!

I am over at Rags To Stitches today letting everyone in on the best kept secret ever!

 You know those two end pieces holding your bread together? What do you do with them? I was shocked to hear most of you toss them! Not no more....head over there to learn how to turn those bread butts {as we like to call them} into delish garlic and parm croutons!

----------------------------

On a side note, I have to say a huge Thank You! To everyone who has been voting for Baby Boy Bakery on Top Baby Blogs.com! We have climbed from #687 to #190 in a matter of one month. It means a whole lot...and I wish I could give you all big fatty hugs! I hope we can keep this climb going as we approach the new year!

Happy Tuesday!

{Delish Monday} - Tame Your Teething Monster

This Monday I am bringing you some easy and safe ways to help you and your teething babe through this very painful time. Last year when Ryan was just barely 3 months he came down with a gnarly cold. I felt so heart broken because we tried so hard to keep him safe and healthy...and at 3 months Dan and I felt lost. I believe there is just nothing worse than seeing your baby sick, especially so little.

{Ryan at 3 months}

At midnight we found ourselves in the urgent care...only to leave with no answers. They said he had a cold and there was nothing they could do. We rode the wave of nursing a sick baby, and at the the end of the week our 3 month old had two tiny white teeth decorating his tiny mouth. Poor baby was teething. We then started doing all the teething tricks and achieved a happy teething baby! One more week later Ryan had two more tiny teeth! 4 teeth by 4 months....clear sign my baby wanted a hamburger ASAP!
All the tricks we used are below...along with my very popular teething biscuit recipe....

{Drool soaked shirt and happy as a clam! I used to put ice water in his sippy,  he loved the feeling of the hard sippy top and freezing water on his gums}

--------------------------------------------

My friends at BabysittingJobs.com have come up with a perfect list you can read through and choose what works best for you and your babe.

Peep the list here

Below is my recipe for organic teething biscuits you can make for your little to chomp on. The texture of these biscuits will feel good as the chew, keep them cool in the fridge to help numb their pain and the taste of banana and vanilla is an added bonus!

'Vanilla/Banana Teething Biscuits'

What you need

• 1 cup of organic flour
• 1 cup of organic whole-grain baby cereal
• 1 mashed banana
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 tbs organic canola oil
• approx. 2 oz of chilled chamomile tea

Directions:
Mix flour and cereal. Slowly stir in oil and vanilla; stir as you SLOWLY poor in tea…only use enough to form a dough ball (if you add too much tea pour in a little more cereal). Incorporate the mashed banana into the dough ball. Once it is all mixed, form cookie shapes on parchment paper and bake @ 425 in the oven for about 30-35 minutes. Half way through you need to flip the cookies. The cookies should be golden brown on the outside. Let cool completely and let your child enjoy! (please again never leave your child alone while they nosh on these or any other cookies/biscuits)

{Ryan enjoying his teething biscuit}

{To read this original post and feature click here}

 

Hello Monday

Hello to another fun filled week...

I can't stop thinking about how fun last week was...

Hello memories of a fun day hanging at the Extra T.V. studio with Alissa of Rags To Stitches....

Hello dreamy Dr. Drew {who loved my cupcakes}

I am now understanding no matter how you say "They loved my cupcakes!" it still makes me laugh and think something naughty....

Everyone loves my organic cupcakes....including myself.

Hello to a fresh cooked  ordered meal by my main squeeze....he surprised me with my favorite. And yes, that would be a double double. Don't judge!

Hello to Christmas lights! This week we are doing our tradition of viewing Christmas lights with Ryan! Just the 3 of us.

Hello to having all my boys in the kitchen helping me make our family holiday treat bags...

Hello to receiving a super special card in the mail....Which resulted in my dancing around singing yes! yes! yes! and Dan looking at me saying you need to call her, she can't hear you.

Hello to celebrating this holiday season with our favorites...

{Hello to partying with our little one strapped to me peacefully asleep}

After being super sick last week, we finally feel better!

Hello to a busy busy week full of holiday catch up!

What are you up to this week?

{Linking up with the beautiful Lisa Leonard}

Cupcakes fit for Beverly Hills

I want to show you guys these glam cupcakes I had the honor of delivering to a very special client event.
The ever popular and beautiful Kendra Scott jewelry store in Beverly Hills had a shopping event...Where customers perused jewels, sipped champagne and indulged themselves with my cupcakes!

This by far has been my most favorite event thus far. I was so excited when I received the custom order email from Jessica and Mandy...So much so I danced for nearly ten minutes before replying back with "YES! TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT AND I'LL DO IT!" Okay, well I was a little more professional than that.
They ordered; cookies and milk, creamy vanilla bean and pumpkin spice mini cupcakes. The best part?! I surprised them by decking the tops with edible glitter. With the added sparkle the cupcakes fit right in with all the gorgeous jewelry.

Take a looksy...

 I think the highlight of the night was getting to meet Kendra Scott herself!
I definitely felt super important for a quick minute! Kendra...what a sweetheart you are!

I had so much fun baking for this event! What a beautiful treat!

I love all the girls at Kendra Scott jewelry boutique in Beverly Hills....Thank you so much for thinking of me, and I look forward to delivering organic goodness to your next store event!

Sweet Gift

Have you guys heard of  'Cold Hands...Warm Hearts'?
It is a blog gift swap, that you must be a part of next year!

I was so excited to learn my bloging buddy lived super close to me! Tara of Beautiful Blendings and I were lucky enough to meet for coffee. We spend the afternoon talking, talking and talking! I feel so blessed to not only have a yummy new pair of mittens {They have cupcakes on them! Perfect!}....but a sweet new friend.

Check out Tara and her blog and shop!

--------------------------------------

At night I love making hot chocolate or mint tea. If you know me, you know I love my hot drinks HOT! I look forward to wearing my cupcake mittens in the snow this winter....until then I like to wear them at night while I drink my hot drinks!
uh...If you know me, you know I am a nerd!
Tara you are simply the best!
Have a good night!

Mittens c/o Purdy Things

I LOVE THESE!

Momma Q & A

Hope you all have a great Wednesday!

Get to know a little more about me...

Q: Describe your parenting style in one word.

A: Flexible.... & Fun

Q: Favorite T.V. family of all time.

A: Mom and Daughter from Gilmore Girls

Q: What's always in your refrigerator?

A: Organic Eggs, Organic Whole Milk and Ginger Ale.

Q: Last meal you made for your family?

A: Spicy ground beef and chorizo burritos.

Q: Physical trait you hope your child doesn't inherit from you.

A: My large and in charge booty!

Q: Craziest thing you've done because you were sleep deprived.

A: Got into the shower with my socks and glasses on. Then screamed at myself "SERIOUSLY?!!"

Q: If you wrote a parenting manual, what would the title be?

A: Just Keep Swimming!

Q: Last lost toy you helped your child find.

A: His favorite ball that rolled under our couch.

Q: Kids' T.V. show you love.

A: Sesame Street! Sometimes we watch 2 in a row because I love it!

Q: Fill in the blank:

"I almost fell over when my son told his pediatrician "NO NO NO!" while he tried listening to his heart beat.

Q: Guilty pleasure?

A: Keeping up with the Kardashians...and Vanilla Meringue Cookies.

Q: Favorite place on Earth?

A: My bed.

Q: Best piece of parenting advice you ever got?

A: Give your baby tons of kisses and hugs!

Q: First word that pops into your head when you hear the word "mom"?

A: Strength.

Hello Monday {Thankful Edition}

Hello Monday, ah we meet again. I thought yesterday was going to last forever.....

Hello morning after one the best lazy Sundays we have ever had. I'm thankful for a baby who loves to sleep and relax with Momma and Dadda...which then allows Dan and I to sleep/never leave our bed for the majority of the afternoon.

Hello to yummy organic dessert displayed beautifully in a feature on a popular website. I am thankful for the opportunity and the women I worked with.

Hello freezing cold days. I am thankful for the warm sun that beams through our kitchen window while I work on the computer during nap time.

Hello Dan's comfy sweat pants. I am thankful for my main man and when he says "You look so hot in my pants!"....Why thank you love.

Hello to the giant stack of gifts to be wrapped and embellished with pretty little pinwheels. {DIY This Week}

Hello feet on the table while waiting for breakfast. I'm thankful for my mornings with this trouble maker.

Better get going on his pancakes!

Happy Monday!

{Linking up with the beautiful Lisa Leonord}

{Delish Monday} Organic Maple Infused Sweet Potato Mash

Happy Yummy Monday Everyone!

If you are new to the Baby Boy Bakery familia...I'll let you in on a not so secret secret. Each Monday I post a yummy recipe, in which most cases you can mash up for your baby as well as keep whole and delish for the rest of your family.
{Please click here for my post on how and why I started making my son's baby food from scratch. You can also find my most popular recipes by clicking on my 'Baby Boy Food' tab}
 I started this so I wouldn't be making two separate meals {Example: One for Dan and I and one for our son}. I also have found that having my son eat whatever I am serving has heightened his sense of taste and he is on the right track of becoming a "good eater".
Though I am sure once he is two and has a mind of his own I'll find us on the "chicken nugget and ketchup only" path. Ahhh the beauty of toddler-hood....I can't wait.

Anyways.....this week I have a house hold favorite! One you could even make for holiday dinner this year. Listen up, cuz it is a goodie! And goes AMAZING with chicken or pork chops.

Organic Maple Infused Sweet Potato Mash

What You Need
`6 small organic sweet potatoes
`3 tbs organic olive oil
`1/2 tsp salt
`1/2 tsp crushed dried organic rosemary
`3 tbs organic 100% maple syrup
`2 tbs organic brown sugar

Directions
`Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork
`On a foil lined sheet pan spread potatoes and rub the olive oil and rosemary all over.
`Roast in the oven at 350 for about 35 min....or until you can stick a fork in the potatoes and it goes in an out with no effort. {Till they are nice and soft}
`Let the potatoes cool enough till you can handle them. Now, I like to cut them up and toss them into the blender. Blend until it is a mashed like consistency.
`But if potato skins are not your bag, then scrape out the potato and toss the skins. BUT the skins hold all the essential vitamins potatoes give us.....Sorry I sound like my mother.
`With the smooth potato mash, place in a baking dish and drizzle the maple syrup and salt on the top. Give it a little mix. Sprinkle a teeny bit of brown sugar over the top and bake in the oven for about 10 min.
`Then enjoy!

Seriously guys the sweet and salty combo on these sweet potatoes is so goooood! Hope you dig it as much as we do!

Christmas Wish

Remember my cake mistake a few weeks ago? Well I finally get to show you all the beautiful outcome!
I am still so freaking excited that I was able to team up with some seriously talented girls and pull off this gorg Christmas Party set! This photo shoot is showcasing A Blissful Nest and her incredible 'Christmas Wish' party printable collection. {Thank you Rebekah for asking me to do the dessert...such.an.honor!}

Here are some of the crazy good photos....to read the full feature on Celebrations At Home click here!

{Christmas Wish Dessert Table}

{Cupcakes}

{Peppermint Cake Pops & Christmas Cake (aka Cake Mistake)}

{My handmade peppermint marshmallow peppermint sticks}

-----------------------------------

Can you believe it? Like I said...I am still excited! I hope you guys love this as much as I do! Let me know what you think.

Enjoy your weekend!